Both the Prime Ministers, holding a press conference at the heritage hotel here, have prioritised Nepal’s economic and social development and enhancing bilateral ties between the two countries.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a Two-day State visit to Nepal, assured Nepal of India’s support, saying “India stands shoulder to shoulder with Nepal.”

“Efforts of Nepali for inclusive development and prosperity are much appreciated,” said the Indian PM addin, “Our government’s motto ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas’ and Oli government’s motto ‘Sambridhha Nepal, Sukhi Nepali’ complement each other.”

The Prime Minister also dwelled upon the successful elections conducted in Nepal at all three levels: federal, provincial and local levels.

“I am visiting Nepal at a very special time when elections have been successfully conducted here at federal, provincial and local levels. India stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Nepal,” Prime Minister Modi said whilst issuing a joint statement in Kathmandu along with his Nepal counterpart KP Sharma Oli.

The visiting Prime Minister also underscored that though his relationship with Nepal is pretty old, however, it is only his third visit to the country as Prime Minister.

Likewise, Prime Miister KP Oli echoing the sentiments of PM Modi said, “Relations between neighbours are different from others. Neighbours have always been our top priority.”

PM Oli stressed upon economic ties between the two countries by saying, “I requested Modi Ji to facilitate the exchange of demonetised currency notes held in the Nepali banking system and by the general public, at the earliest.”

PM Oli also said that the two sides have agreed to take concrete measures to realise the benefits of a new partnership for agriculture and connectivity by rail links and waterways and have agreed to address all matters by September 19, on our Constitution Day.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi was accorded with the guard of honour at the Tundikhel Army Parade Ground in Kathmandu.

The Prime Minister arrived in Kathmandu after attending the civic reception in the ancient and religious city of Janakpur.

On Saturday morning, Prime Minister Modi will be heading for Muktinath temple in Mustang District followed by prayers at Pashupatinath Temple in the capital.

After the visit to the temples, Prime Minister Modi is expected to engage with political leaders of various parties. He will attend the civic reception hosted by the mayor of Kathmandu and then depart for India on Saturday evening.

176 trafficked Nepalis rescued from Indo-Myanmar border

KATHMANDU — At least 176 Nepali men and women, who were being trafficked into Myanmar, have been rescued by Manipur police and activists from different parts of Manipur, a northeastern state of India, in the last two days.

On their second day of rescue operation, the Tengnoupal police have rescued atleast 20 Nepalis including 5 women and 15 men, from a Hotel in Moreh town,Imphal Free Press, an English-language daily published from Manipur has reported.

The Moreh police have rescued as many as 60 nationals of Nepal including 45 women and 15 men.